Hi Roo, it's liable to be a very tough test as you say, it's a 'mustn't lose'. but boy do we need a win after Saturday. The pace of the game should suit Hudd more, and if there's a doubt re Naughton stick Smith in, he looked really good for the U21s Dempsey should be at home, but needs must, etc.
If Walker had ONLY made mistakes last Saturday we would not be having this discussion. Unfortunately, he has been off his game on several occasions so far this season: possibly cost us 4/5 goals all told. That doesn't mean there isn't an argument in keeping him in the side, but personally think he could do with a rest. And we do have cover for this game.
we have to be careful though. - as you say GH10, it's a mustn't lose. but is a draw good enough? so far we've got 2 points out of 6, and after tomorrow that could be 3 out of 9, having played everyone once. we've got to be careful that we're not going to end up putting ourselves in a position where we rely on other results to qualify. I'm sure that was the case last year, if my memory serves me correctly. agree about the pace of the game and Hudd, that's a very good point. - infact, we could see Hudd shine in this game if he's given time to ping the ball about. my real concern is for the players who have played internationals recently, travelled a lot and played lots of games in quick succession. I know it's early days in the season, but we're asking for niggling injuries to start occurring. with some key players already out, we can't afford any more!
Haven't seen much of Smith apart from the last 10 mins or so of the England U21 game the other day but from what I've heard he's a bright prospect. If AVB wanted to rest Verts for some reason (defo don't think he should right now though!) then I'd not be adverse to seeing Smith at RB and Naughton at LB but I fully expect Verts to play and rightly so IMO.
Hi Roo, it's a difficult call all round, the officials robbing us against Lazio, have given us a really difficult task. Good luck to AVB on this selection
Yep, with the pressure on not to lose, I don't think we can risk Naughton at LB, I'm afraid JV has to play TBH, if you're on the plane you may as well play, so just pick a strong a team as possible from those who've travelled. the only reason I haven't gone for Gallas or Walker is because I think we have better alternatives, not to rest them.
I'm afraid british team's will have to get used to being robbed while Platini is president of uefa,, He hate the British team's winning, so the refs have order's,to favour British team's opponents imo
